Spirituality and mental health are closely linked, and Christian Science offers a unique perspective on this connection. Rooted in the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science emphasizes the power of prayer, spiritual understanding, and a deep reliance on God for healing. Rather than focusing solely on material or medical solutions, Christian Science teaches that true health comes from aligning thought with divine Truth and Love. Many adherents believe that mental and physical healing can occur through spiritual means, as they seek to overcome fear, anxiety, and illness through prayer and spiritual study. This approach views mental health not as a separate issue, but as part of one’s overall spiritual well-being. By understanding one’s identity as a reflection of God—whole, pure, and harmonious—individuals may find greater peace, purpose, and resilience. While Christian Science differs from conventional psychology, it offers a faith-based path to mental and emotional healing.

Christian Science approaches healing anxiety and depression through spiritual means, based on the belief that understanding one’s true, spiritual identity as a reflection of God can dissolve fear, despair, and mental distress. Here’s how healing is understood in Christian Science:

1. Understanding God as Divine Mind and Love

Christian Science teaches that God is infinite Mind, Love, and the true source of peace and harmony. Anxiety and depression are seen not as fixed mental conditions, but as errors of thought that can be corrected by aligning one’s thinking with divine Truth.

2. Affirming Spiritual Identity

Practitioners affirm that each person is the spiritual image of God—whole, pure, and untouched by fear or sadness. By identifying with this spiritual self rather than a limited, material view, individuals can experience healing.

3. Prayer and Study

Healing involves deep prayer and study of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. These texts guide individuals to understand spiritual laws that bring peace, joy, and mental clarity.

4. Rejection of Material Causes

Christian Science rejects the idea that chemical imbalances or external circumstances are the ultimate causes of anxiety or depression. Instead, it teaches that changing one’s thought—through spiritual insight—restores mental well-being.

5. Support from Christian Science Practitioners

Those seeking healing can work with Christian Science practitioners, who support them through prayer and spiritual guidance.

In summary, Christian Science addresses anxiety and depression by shifting thought from fear to spiritual truth, trusting in God’s love, and affirming each person’s divine nature as inherently joyful and free.

Spiritual well being is defined as an expanding sense of purpose and meaning in life, including one’s own morals and ethics. It may include religious practices and engagement in a community based on this, but can also include personal practices that are not defined by a religion or religious group. Spiritual wellness is widely known to have a significant impact on our day-to-day well being and ability to cope with the stressors of life. In fact, studies have shown that people who have a spiritual belief experience lower levels of depression, anxiety and experience better health.

Those affiliated with the Christian Science Church, as well as those who study the writings of Mary Baker Eddy on their own, have found their health and quality of life improved. They have found freedom from anxiety, experienced inner peace, felt a greater connection and appreciation for all life, and desire to be a better neighbor in all the aspects of their life.

There are many benefits to cultivating your spiritual well being. Some of these relate to yourself and your daily practices, while others relate to opportunities to shape the world around you. Some benefits of spiritual wellness include:

• A sense of purpose in life
• Comfort in times of uncertainty
• Tools to regain personal calm and center
• A pathway to make sense of grief in times of loss
• An increased capacity for love and forgiveness
• An unlocking of creativity and resourcefulness
• Reduction of stress and depression
• An overall improvement in health and wellbeing
• Motivation to be of service to others
• A sense of community in those with shared beliefs

YES, really! Everyone is welcome to visit a Christian Science Reading Room. These centers for spiritual living are devoted to the exploration of spiritual existence, prayer, and healing. They exhibit and sell the primary text of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, along with the author Mary Baker Eddy’s many other writings. Also available are the Bible, related reference books, and other inspirational publications written by students of Christian Science.

Hours differ from Reading Room to Reading Room and are staffed by volunteers. Reading Rooms ALSO offer 24/7 online service.

The prayer meeting begins with short readings on a topic of community interest, followed by participants sharing their stories of spiritual insights and healing, often citing inspiration gained from reading the book Science and Health. Meetings are very informal and usually include some music and group singing. They last only an hour and meet year round. Everyone is welcome to attend.

There are 24 Christian Science worship groups in the greater Chicago area.

“Christian Science in Metro Chicago” is a joint activity of Chicago’s worship groups. It promotes and provides information about Christian Science resources in the Chicago area.

No. Many times the press and social media confuse these two religions, primarily because of similarities in their names. However, there is no historical connection nor any commonality in basis or theology.